fashion market

Oh, the love/hate of fashion. Mostly love. Often lust. And occasionally disgust.

I worry for all of us who have bought the dream. I have been guilty, and surely will be again at times. The glossy pages hoisting those towering, angular beauties to goddess heights in outfits worth a college education apiece. Yet, I probably won’t cancel my subscription. There is art in there.

But do not fret your budget, young lovelies. Do not let this be your jury. Just keep your head about you. Learn when to invest, and when to drop 5 dollars on a t-shirt. Practice recognizing the item that looks more expensive than it is. Practice the art of not falling for the trend. Wear whatever the hell you like, don’t worry about the brand or the price.

I tell you, I have carried the twenty-dollar clutch into the chicest of Orange County restaurants and left unscathed, nay, admired! (No seriously, the purse cost 4o bucks less than the steak I was eating, and I did get asked where I bought it.) I have, many times over, gathered compliments from women dripping in designer on my fourteen-dollar Target scarf. It’s almost worth it to witness their shock and see them secretly determining where the closest Target is.

Style is not a brand, friends. I know you already know this. But really truly, believe and apply it. Fear not the flea market or the clearance rack or the thrift store, and take no shame in your low-budget purchase I tell you. For I have worn such things to Hollywood and Beverly Hills, and not only fit in, but stood out.

Exhibit A: Designer clothes at 98% off!

The most perfectly worn in Acne tank top: Zone print, original retail likely around $100.

$1.99 at Goodwill.

(I know, right?! With some black skinny jeans and boots. Fuggedaboudit.)

Exhibit B: Strange and beautiful vintage brands you’ve never heard of.

Complete with matching printed shoulder pads. Just the right amount of cheeseball and fantastic amazingness.

Also Goodwill: $4.99

And the bonus is, I probably won’t run into somebody wearing the same shirt as me anytime I wear this baby. Such a rush getting a pile of clothes for 30 bucks. Such a high feeling like you know something that everybody at the mall doesn’t. And so nice having money for food and wine at the end of the day. Which is far, far more critical than spending lots of money to look like everyone else.

Happy hunting, friends!